This 1969 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet gained instant notoriety on the West Coast drag-racing
circuit under sponsorship from Chuck Foulger, the former Ford Racing Director whose
Monrovia, California, dealership had a reputation as one of the most performance-savvy
Ford stores west of the Mississippi. The R-code Cobra Jet left the San Jose assembly
plant on October 31, 1968 finished in Gulfstream Aqua Blue and equipped with the mighty
428/335 HP CJ Ram Air engine, a close-ratio T-10 4-speed, Competition Suspension
Package, power front disc brakes, AM radio, color-keyed racing mirrors and F70-14 Wide
Oval tires. After arriving at Foulger Ford, crew chief Kenny Myers converted the car to an
automatic transmission for quicker and more consistent launches and added Lakewood
traction bars, Hurst/Lakewood drag shocks, Cragar SS wheels with racing rubber and a
set of Doug Thorley’s radical 180-degree exhaust headers. The car’s distinctive paint
scheme was Foulger’s idea: by painting one side of the car Pearl White, he reasoned that
media coverage would give the impression there were two Foulger Ford-sponsored
Mustangs rather than just one. After a successful few months that included runner-up
finishes at the Bakersfield Fuel & Gas Meet and the Hot Rod Championship Drags, driver
Ritchey was called into the service and the car was sold to Foulger Drag Team members
Bob and Lucy Below, whose well-earned reputation for cutting a quick light was further
bolstered by her performance at the Cobra Jet’s controls. With continuing Foulger
sponsorship, the car soon became known as “Lucy’s Larceny” after defeating such talents
as Shirley “Drag-On Lady” Shahan and Bob Lambeck, both of whom Lucy trailered on her
way to a first win at Fremont Dragway, where she ran mid 11s at 126.45 MPH to set the
SS/HA record. The Belows ran the car successfully for another three years in NHRA
Division 7 before retiring it from competition. After a series of owners, it was restored with
input from Bob and Lucy Below and is being offered in its original racing configuration, a
splendid piece of West Coast Super Stock racing history.
714.434.8388
1969 Mustang Cobra Jet Race Car
